Because keeping all of those quotes, notes, and rumors in one post is getting lengthy, let's break this down by team in separate posts. As these come in, they will be updated and reposted.
Dodgers
Latest Status: Interested, but not in Full Salary Roy
LA Times (6/15):
That the Dodgers don’t almost desperately need (Lee or Oswalt) in their rotation isn't even an issue. That the Dodgers will, or can, actually make a legitimate bid for either sadly doesn't even appear on the radar. With Seattle's Lee, a deal probably would require several top prospects, which the Dodgers currently have a dearth of. With Houston's Oswalt, it requires serious cash, which owner Frank McCourt has been a wee bit tight with of late.
Ed Price (6/15):
A person who knows Roy Oswalt guessed Oswalt could end up traded to the Dodgers. Oswalt is friends with ex-Dodger Brad Penny, who could help sell Oswalt on L.A. -- if the Dodgers can find the cash to pay Oswalt. Or -- as they have done in other recent trades -- the Dodgers could give up significant prospects and have Houston pay much of Oswalt's future salary.
Yahoo's Tim Brown (6/10):
That means dealing with Oswalt’s no-trade rights. And that means the Astros have no current plans to defray the cost of the 32-year old right-hander. Oswalt is due whatever would remain of $15 million this season, $16 million next season and a $16 million option (with a $2 million buyout) in 2012. That’s too rich for Frank McCourt, or so it would seem.
LA Times (6/10):
The Dodgers aren't in the mix to trade for Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt. At least not at the moment. Among the reasons is money. The Astros are saying that any team that wants to acquire Oswalt will have to take on all of what remains on his contract, according to a baseball source who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
LA Times (5/26):
The Dodgers have asked the Seattle Mariners about Cliff Lee and the Houston Astros about Roy Oswalt. The response from the Mariners and the Astros has been the same: We're not about to trade our guy just yet, but we'll get back to you if and when we do.
Even if the Dodgers were to agree to take on salary, the chances of a trade could depend on how deeply the Mariners and Astros wish to rebuild. The Dodgers' top prospects are at the lower levels of the minor leagues, so the team would be an unlikely trade partner should the Mariners or Astros want a trade package to feature talent ready for the major leagues.
Tony Jackson (5/25):
Despite widespread speculation, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not in active talks with the Houston Astros about pitcher Roy Oswalt, who let it be known publicly last week that he wants out of the city where he has spent his 10-year major league career.
Forbes (5/24):
If the Rangers ownership situation was settled, I would speculate that Oswalt would make the short move across Texas. It certainly would be a shame for their ownership woes to cause them to lose out on this opportunity. If I had to call it right now, I'd say Oswalt joins Torre in the City of Angels.
LA Times (5/23):
Torre can't flat out say he wants Oswalt, at least not publicly. But his eyes fairly twinkle when you ask what Oswalt could do for a team.
"He's one of those No. 1 guys," Torre said. "When you have one of the guys of that quality — like Roy Halladay was talked about last year, or Cliff Lee — for certain that type of pitcher changes the way not only you look at yourself, but the way other clubs look at you."
Does (GM Ned Colletti) have a sense as to whether the Dodgers would be in the market for an ace like Oswalt?
"I do have a sense," Colletti said.
FanHouse (5/23), quoting GM Ned Colletti:
"I sense we'll be in the market for pitching after the All-Star Break."
Colletti declined comment when asked if he and Astros GM Ed Wade have discussed a potential swap involving Astros ace Roy Oswalt, who's asked Wade to deal him.
LA Times (5/22):
Despite his request and the Dodgers’ need, there’s about as much chance of Oswalt being traded here as Lindsay Lohan winning an award as Citizen of the Year. Oswalt is costly, and the Dodgers haven’t shown any interest in spending serious cash in a long time. And with the owners undergoing a contemptuous divorce, there is no reason to think that will change soon...The Dodgers, of course, are a contending team. Unlikely or not, it at least has to be worth a phone call.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
